Jack talked to his dad for what seemed like forever before he broke the news, and at the word “pregnant”, I heard their cheers as Jack pulled the phone away from his ear. His parents were so excited, and they wanted to know every detail; how I had been feeling, when was the due date, did it look like everything was going well this time?
Aside from Tuesday, this little baby will be the first grandchild in both our families. I think they had been holding their breath, not daring to say a word, but hoping that soon, we would find solace in the hope of another baby. Jack was laughing and his accent was getting thicker all the time, and then after a bit, he handed me the phone. He said his mom wanted to talk to me.
I have always liked Jack’s mom. Even though I have only met her in person four times, she emails me every single week, and she’s always so warm and steady – just like my Jack.
“Congratulations, Anna!” She said, and before I could respond she quickly added, “I want to pray for you.”
She paused, and I thought she meant she was going to be praying for me during my pregnancy. I was grateful and I started to tell her how much her prayers would be appreciated, but then she really started to pray. Right there on the phone. I felt my legs give way beneath me as I crumpled to the couch and her warm voice continued over the phone. The tears streamed down my face as I held the phone up to my ear and listened to the words of blessing flow from the other side of the world, penetrating my clichéd expectation of a trite offer to prayer, with the sincerity of a Saint who knew the Father well enough to storm His Throne on my behalf.
Baby, I wish I could have recorded your grandmother’s prayer for you. She covered us in blessing, praising God for the miracle of your tender life. She prayed for me and your daddy, for us to have peace and strength and patience to wait as you grow. She prayed that you would, even now, have a tiny heart that longs to please God and that you would grow in wisdom and stature and favour with God and man.
And with just the slightest quake in her voice, she prayed for you to live.
9 comments:
Paige, I can see this in print. Not that my opinion as a newspaper columnist counts -- but this stuff is REALLY GOOD and not just drivel!!! I can see a Christian publisher lapping your book up... For goodness sake, KEEP WRITING!!!!
And yes, I've been on the receiving end of someone praying (Mum and Dad do that often) when you call to ask them to pray about it and they just jump right in with both feet.
Bravo!
Saskatchewan Cousin
I totally agree with your cousin. This is really good. Keep it coming!!
I try not to be overly emotional, but this... this got me. For so many reasons...
Keep it coming. This is excellent.
You're rocking this paige!! Can't wait to read the book ;)
Paige, everything I've read of this is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to read the rest.
Breathtaking!
Wow...Paige....unbelievable word count and such a sweet exerpt... Keep going!
Oh so loving this!! The character's response to her MIL praying for her is my exact response when others pray for me over the phone...it truly is powerful...wish I had the guts to pray for others over the phone...
You must get this published...I don't think you'll have a problem at all!! lol
Love it!!!
I want an autographed copy!!!
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